Have no fear, Pumpkin Spice season is here!

Julian Apple SeasonSeptember – November
The Annual Season of Harvest celebration in Julian has begun and continues through Halloween. Events and activities for all ages include a pumpkin picking patch, hayrides and berry picking, and of course, Julian’s famous apple pies. (Pro-tip: get the crumble top). For more information visit https://visitjulian.com/to-see-do/special-events/apple-days/.

The Tony Award Winning show Mamma Mia makes its way to San Diego for a six month stay at the Walk Theatre-San Diego.The show implores pop group ABBA’s hits to tell the hilarious story of a teen’s search for her birth father on a Greek island paradise. We can’t wait to see this show!

Tickets On Sale Now For San Diego County’s Largest Contemporary Fine Art Show

Redwood Media group announces the return of Art San Diego, the county’s premiere contemporary fine art show, for its 10-year anniversary from Oct. 18 – Oct. 21, 2018, at the Wyland Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Art San Diego, with presenting sponsor UBS Financial Services, is highly regarded in the industry for cutting-edge exhibitions, in-depth Art Labs and attracting more than 15,000 attendees.

Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on Painted Polish’s newest collection! ‘5-Year Anniversary Duo’ is a collection featuring two shades of pale peridot in two different finishes: Here’s to 5 Years and Stamped in Honeydew. (more…)

TOMO is a modern golf apparel company based out of San Diego announced its launch with the release of TOMO Vol. 1. This spikeless golf shoe is fashionable and lightweight, boasting style and comfort at a price point under $100. (more…)

We are so happy to announce we are now representing nonda! Nonda is a smart solutions tech company that aims to make daily life easier for everyone. Lee & London Public Relations will be assisting nonda with PR support year-round. (more…)

WildAid, a wildlife conservation group working to end the illegal wildlife trade and the poaching of elephant ivory, shark fins and rhino horn, has partnered with the filmmakers of Jurassic World, as well as star Bryce Dallas Howard, to produce a PSA campaign helping to save the endangered rhinoceros from extinction.

We are excited to be working with our new client, Fluent Forever, a modern guide to learning new languages quickly and efficiently. While immersion is one way to learn a language, most people cannot devote that much of their lives to learning a new language. Fluent Forever provides a practical way to learn a new language from a memory standpoint

Diane Keaton attends The People Concern’s Celebrating Change Gala at Casa Vertigo on April 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

Lee and London is very excited to announce that The People Concern hosted the Inaugural “Celebrating Change” gala! The People Concern is a nonprofit organization striving to end homelessness in Los Angeles. All money raised at the gala will go directly toward helping the homeless in Los Angeles by providing services like mental health care, housing services, domestic violence services, life skills, income assistance, medical care and outreach.

The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture has announced the lineup for its 23rd Annual San Diego Jewish BookFest! From a super cool “speed dating with book authors” event to a brunch with the “Queen of American Jewish Cooking” Joan Nathan, to a “Civil Debate: The Future of on Israel’s Soul” with JJ Goldberg and Jonathan S. Tobin, this year’s schedule is packed full of amazing discussions and presentations. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets today. Check out the full press release below. (more…)

We’re so excited to announce the news that our client, the Design Institute of San Diego, recently won a 6-year accreditation from the Western Association Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). They now join the roster of prestigious schools to receive WSCUC accreditation including USC, San Diego State and the University of California San Diego. Check out the full press release below.(more…)

Every year during the Superbowl we here at Lee and London look forward to the best part of the game: the commercials. This year was a pretty good year for commercials, with many standout ads from Tide and M&Ms to the NFL’s “Dirty Dancing” remake with Giants QB Eli Manning and WR Odell Beckham. We all sat down with coffee this morning and took a poll and this year our unequivocal favorite commercial was the hilarious ‘Alexa Loses Her Voice.’ What can we say, we love us some Cardi B.

Take a look at some of this year’s top ads and tell us your favorite! (more…)

I don’t know what we’re more excited about: Trace Adkins, 38 Special or Thunder from Down Under! Lucky for us, we may have a connection or two (wink, wink) so we can make it to all of these incredible concerts at Casino Pauma. Their new Entertainment venue is amazing – state-of-the-art sound and lighting to boot. (more…)

1. Get an internship, or two, or three- Most PR agencies will not consider you a “strong” applicant for an entry level postion unless you have had at least two (or even three) internships within the field. Learn all you can in your internships and show potential employers you’ve learned the basic PR skills, like navigating clipping services, producing coverage reports and building media lists. These tasks may seem basic, but they are time consuming to learn, and an internship is the best way to get familiar with programs like Cision, Burrelles, SproutSocial and Vocus. (more…)

<<< Did you hear the news?? VELVET is back!!! For those of you who are obsessed with the cozy, luxurious fabric – 2018 is off to a great start as velvet is topping lists of trends for the New Year. Along with velvet — and bold, rich colors — prepare to see geometric everything: pillows, rugs, wallpaper, and everything in between. I’m also super excited about the return to rich textures, multi-layered spaces and the combining of design styles: French plus a little Country with some Eclectic sprinkled in? Yes please! And as someone who rearranges her furniture on a monthly basis because I get bored easily, mixing and matching are a necessity for me, regardless of whether it’s en vogue at the moment. (more…)

(November 12, 2017 – Beverly Hills, Calif.) – WildAid, the global nonprofit organization leading the fight to end the illegal wildlife trade, held its annual fundraising gala, “An Evening With WildAid,” Saturday, November 11 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. WildAid is the only group to focus exclusively on reducing demand for illegal wildlife products through public awareness campaigns. With the simple message “When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too,” WildAid works with government, business and media partners as well as celebrities and high profile individuals to advocate consumer change.

Duhamel has been an advocate for WildAid filming several public service announcements for the organization and using his celebrity status on social media to engage new audiences and to spread awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and its detrimental effects on endangered species worldwide.

A highlight of the gala was WildAid CEO Peter Knights’ introduction of the organization’s new programs to protect endangered species and marine habitats. Knights also shared campaigns featuring WildAid’s portfolio of celebrity ambassadors, which includes Josh Duhamel, Lupita Nyong’o, Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, HRH Prince William, Leonardo DiCaprio, Maggie Q, the cast of the Walking Dead and many others.

WildAid produces impactful, compelling public service announcements that are Hollywood quality and distributes them to millions of viewers a week through pro bono media placement. WildAid’s campaigns have contributed to an 80% reduction in shark fin imports to China, a ban on ivory sales in China, and a 50% drop in the price of rhino horn in China and Vietnam.

About TOMS Animal Initiative

The TOMS Animal Initiative (TOMS) and WildAid joined forces early this year to launch a limited-edition footwear collection that supported WildAid’s conservation programs dedicated to the giant panda. Created by Heather Mycoskie, the TOMS Animal Initiative partners with nonprofit animal conservation organizations to raise awareness and support for global animal protection.

About WildAid

For photographs, video footage or to interview a WildAid expert, please contact Brendi Rawlin brendi@leeandlondon.com +1 619 549 3066.
WildAid is a non-profit organization with a mission to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid primarily works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products such as shark fin and elephant ivory by persuading consumers and providing comprehensive marine enforcement. Recent WildAid campaigns such as the #JoinTheHerd initiative have brought together millions of people to speak out about the poaching crisis affecting African elephants. With an unrivaled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors – including Prince William and Yao Ming – and global network of media partners, WildAid leverages $289 million in annual pro bono media support with a simple message: When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too. For more information, visit WildAid.org and follow us @WildAid.

We’re excited to welcome Chloe Janda to the team as PR Coordinator. Chloe previously served as PR Manager for San Diego Pride. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in journalism. Her hobbies are yoga, bodysurfing, hiking, playing with her dog, Doodle, and photography. Fun Fact: Chloe was MVP of her college water polo team!

Largest Contemporary Art Show in San Diego Moves to Del Mar Fairgrounds; 15,000 Expected over Four Days of Exhibitions, Special Events and Art Talks

(July 24, 2017 – San Diego, Calif.) Redwood Media Group announces the return of Art San Diego, the largest contemporary art show in San Diego, for a four-day run Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2017. With Presenting Sponsor UBS Financial Services, the annual event draws 15,000 attendees. Held for the last eight years in Balboa Park, this year’s show moves to a larger venue, the scenic Wyland Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. (more…)

WildAid, the global nonprofit organization leading the fight to end the illegal wildlife trade, announced its annual fundraising gala, “An Evening with WildAid,” will take place November 11 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. WildAid is the only group to focus exclusively on reducing demand for illegal wildlife products through public awareness campaigns. With the simple message “When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too,” WildAid works with government, business and media partners as well as celebrities and high profile individuals to advocate consumer change.

Josh Duhamel is this year’s Wildlife Champion and will be honored at the gala

With sponsors including the TOMS Animal Initiative, Guthy Renker and EFJ Philanthropies, “An Evening with WildAid” will bring out Hollywood’s A-List, including film star Josh Duhamel who will be on hand to receive the 2017 Wildlife Champion Award. Duhamel has been an advocate for WildAid, filming several PSAs for the organization and using his celebrity status on social media to engage new audiences and to spread awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and its detrimental effects on endangered species worldwide.

The “Evening with WildAid” gala will feature a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception with silent auction and cultural performances. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner by James Beard award-winning chef Tracey Des Jardins, owner of San Francisco’s famed Jardinière, and Mary Sue Milliken, co-chef/owner of the popular, critically acclaimed Border Grill restaurants.

WildAid ambassador Yao Ming

A highlight of the Gala is WildAid CEO Peter Knights’ introduction of the organization’s new programs to protect endangered species and marine habitats, including recent work by WildAid’s portfolio of celebrity ambassadors including Josh Duhamel, Lupita Nyong’o, Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, HRH Prince William, Leonardo DiCaprio, Maggie Q, the cast of The Walking Dead and many others.

WildAid produces impactful, compelling public service announcements that are Hollywood quality for a fraction of the cost, and distributes them to millions of viewers a week through extensive pro bono and earned media placement. In recent years, shark fin imports to China have gone down by 80%, ivory and rhino horn prices have plummeted by more than 50% in China and Vietnam, and China has agreed to close its ivory market by the end of 2017.

About TOMS Animal Initiative

The TOMS Animal Initiative (TOMS) and WildAid joined forces early this year to launch a limited-edition footwear collection that supported WildAid’s conservation programs dedicated to the giant panda. Created by Heather Mycoskie, the TOMS Animal Initiative partners with nonprofit animal conservation organizations to raise awareness and support for global animal protection.

About WildAid

Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too. For more information, visit WildAid.org and follow us @WildAid.
WildAid is a non-profit organization with a mission to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid primarily works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products such as shark fin and elephant ivory by persuading consumers and providing comprehensive marine enforcement. Recent WildAid campaigns such as the #JoinTheHerd initiative have brought together millions of people to speak out about the poaching crisis affecting African elephants. With an unrivaled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors – including Prince William and Yao Ming – and global network of media partners, WildAid leverages $289 million in annual pro bono media support with a simple message: When the

Cast of the Walking Dead PSA

WildAid is teaming up with Josh Duhamel, one of the stars of the soon-to-hit-theaters Transformers sequel, to let U.S. travelers know that the souvenir they buy may have cost an endangered animal its life. The campaign will air via PSAs and billboards across the country. Josh is a long-time supporter of WildAid and its mission to end the illegal wildlife trade. (more…)

Client Jackson Design & Remodeling is featured in the June/July issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine – available now on newsstands nationwide! The article is called “Mission: Dream Kitchen” and highlights a gorgeous Rustic kitchen remodel in San Diego. Check out the article HERE!

Check out a beautiful La Jolla, California kitchen remodel by client Jackson Design & Remodeling in the summer issue of Cottage White magazine. This gorgeous colonial coastal kitchen was designed by Tatiana Machado-Rosas and can be seen HERE on page 20.

Josh Duhamel is a huge supporter of WildAid and has teamed up to promote sales of a limited edition T-shirt to provide funding to end the poaching of rhinos, elephants and other endangered animals globally. 100% of the sales will be donated to WildAid. The T-shirts are available for 2 weeks only beginning March 22 through April 5.

The Junior Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito today announced the return of popular wine tasting fundraiser “UNCORKED for a Cause.” The event will take place Friday, April 21 from 7-9:00 p.m. at a new venue,Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Center for a Healthy Lifestyle, which includes a half acre urban farm & garden on the beautiful Encinitas hillside. (more…)

Client World Skateboarding Federation began it’s 2017 Africa Skate Project program in South Africa this week, which reaches out to kids in poor areas to offer free skate clinics and mentoring. In addition, WSF gave away complete decks to the kids in attendance. Over the next few months over 100 decks will be given to kids at ASP stops across South Africa.

Skateboarding has been shown to keep kids off the street and away from crime. It develops positive traits including perseverance and creativity. The South African government has been active in seeking to expand the opportunities to expose kids to skateboarding.

The largest success story to demonstrate this concept is the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley, California which was built to house the World Skateboarding Championships and then to serve as a year-round free public skate park. Studies by researchers at area universities as to the skate park’s impact have been overwhelmingly positive. To keep up to date with WSF news and activities, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

We are excited to announce that San Diego nonprofit Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito has tapped Lee and London for PR support in 2017. After the success of LLPR’s initial engagement with BGC San Dieguito to help promote its annual “Youth of the Year” Awards in August, the LLPR team was brought on in December to assist the Clubs year-round with PR support. The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito serves more than 6,100 members in the San Dieguito (North coastal) area and impacts over 10,000 youth across San Diego County every year through six specialty programs and seven Clubhouses throughout Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas and Solana Beach.

Our team was excited to land two very big hits for our longtime client Jackson Design and Remodeling this week. We got two of their projects in national magazines, one in Cottages & Bungalows and one in Rustic Country Magazine. The staff from the magazines came down to San Diego with their photographer to style and shoot both homes. The first shoot was for a gorgeous traditional kitchen in La Jolla and the second shoot was a whole home (and barn) in Escondido. (more…)

We’re excited to announce our new client the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Dieguito! The north county clubs are celebrating their 50th birthday with the annual Youth of the Year Celebration at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Infield Pavilion on Friday, August 5. (more…)

World Skateboarding Federation and Olympic Park officials announced today a partnership to build a new world class skatepark in Montreal, Canada in Olympic Park, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The state-of-the-art park is planned to host future national and international skateboarding events, including the 2017 Canadian Skateboarding Championships. (more…)

No one escapes PR blunders, not even an extremely powerful military organization run by a near omnipotent super being. In honor of May the Fourth (International Galactic Star Wars Day), we decided to look at some of the biggest PR blunders made by the Empire. (more…)

Lee and London PR is excited to announce it’s expanded role for the San Diego Festival of Beer in 2016. Lee and London will manage the festival website, all marketing and advertising as well as PR and social media. This year, the festival has adopted a political theme as it’s just one month out from the November presidential election. The fest will feature over 50 local breweries who will serve up 120 varieties of bipartisan brews.

As you pore over your website’s traffic and advertising analytics, what is your most important metric?

If it’s conversions and sales, then remarketing is a powerful tool to add to your belt.

Remarketing is, very simply, advertising targeted at people who have already visited your website or used your application. Remarketing is often more effective in key metrics such as click-through rate and conversions than standard online display advertising. On a base level this is logical since one is targeting people who have already shown some level of interest in one’s company and/or products. But the statistics also bear this out.

Within remarketing, the targeting can be broad (anyone visiting a site) or narrow (people who viewed an individual product or page) allowing the advertiser options in how they want to grab those lost customers. As an example of wide targeting, one can offer discounts or incentives to lure back first time visitors. And on the narrow side, one can remind the visitor of the product they showed interest in while providing a quick way back to that product. This greatly increases the chances of the sale being made. With these factors as well as being cost effective to begin with, the ROI on remarketing outpaces standard online advertising every time.

There are quite a few advertising platforms out there offering remarketing but Google and Facebook are of course the biggest players with the largest advertising networks by far. The fact that they both have excellent, easy to utilize, tools to accomplish remarketing goals just adds to their advantage over others.

The March issue of French Style Magazine featured a gorgeous French Country kitchen remodeled by client Jackson Design and Remodeling. The 5-page spread also includes tips for designing a French Country kitchen. Check out the full spread – CLICK HERE.

Stuck in an uneventful and stagnate job? Do you catch yourself saying, “I HAVE to stay here ’til 5:00,” or “I GET to stay here ’til 5:00.” Okay, well maybe the word “get” is a little exaggerated, but the point is understood.

It is time to embrace Mondays.

Since coming aboard Lee & London, I have yet to call this place work. Why? I love my job. From the cohesive multi-generational unit of talented members to the upbeat, collaborative and positive work environment, at Lee & London, we come ready to ‘Win The Day.’ Our clients run the gauntlet from home design and remodeling to the San Diego Festival of Beer to the World Skateboarding Federation to up-and-coming action sports performance eyewear brand, Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for our summer internship, street team and Account Manager and Account Executive positions.

Mark. Your. Calendars.

On Thursday, July 9th, the L&L crew will be making the trek to AGENDA Long Beach for Malakye’s Summer 2015 Shmoozevent. We will be stationed from 11am – 3pm at the Long Beach Convention Center.

If you’re looking to be a part of this stellar team, we’d love to hear from you. Be sure to come check us out. You can register for the event, here. It is FREE! We are stoked to be there and are looking forward to meeting everyone! See you there!

On Saturday, June 20th, the 11th annual International Surfing Day will be celebrated around the world. The unofficial observance, which was founded by Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation, has become a global event held to mark the beginning of summer.

As much as surfing has given to us, it is appropriate that we return the favor.

Surfers of different styles, language, race, age and skill will grab their sticks and head down to their local watering hole in celebratory fashion. More than 30 countries this year will attend parties, contests, fundraisers, film screenings and educational beach clean-ups all in the name of honoring the past, present and future of surfing.

How are you celebrating ISD?

Below is a list of a few west coast events happening.

–Huntington Beach, CA: An epic World Record attempt is in the forecast tomorrow as riders will look to successfully ride the largest surfboard ever! There will be a beach-wide cleanup, live music and various other giveaways to follow. Sure to be a solid afternoon!

It has been over 20 years since a true national skateboarding contest — one that isn’t invite only — was held in the U.S.

World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) – the leading global skateboarding events management company — has partnered with leading independent skate shops across the nation. Eleven regional qualifying contests will be held in 11 cities this summer culminating in the first-ever U.S. Skateboarding Championships in Washington, D.C. Saturday, August 29. The total prize purse is $36,000 with $2,000 up for grabs at each regional qualifier.

1. Rhythm Skate Shop — Dallas, TX — June 20WINNER: TAYLOR BRAY

2. PITCREW Skateboards — Frederick, MD — July 18

3. Hazard County Skate Park — McDonough, GA — July 18

4. Escapist Skate Shop — Kansa City, MO — July 19

5. Pharmacy Skate Shop– Los Angeles, CA — July 20

6. Pharmacy Skate Shop — Las Vegas, NV — July 20

7. Uprise Skateboards — Lake Bluff, IL — July 25

8. Shrunkenheads Skateboards — Sandy, OR — July 25

9. 3rd Lair Skatepark — Golden Valley, MN — July 26

10. KCDC Skate Shop — Brooklyn, NY — August 1

11. Skate Works Skate Shop — San Jose, CA — August 7

12. Washington D.C. — FINALS

The winner from each stop will earn themselves an automatic bid in the finals. The Finals at the nation’s capital will earn the chance to compete against the world’s best skaters, from over 50 countries, in the Skateboarding World Championships. This year’s world championships will be held at the Kimberley Diamond Cup in South Africa, Oct. 7-10.

Find a skate shop near you and be sure to come out. It is going to be an eventful summer and we are psyched to be a part of the madness. We’ll see you out there!

(Houston, TX—May 6, 2015)Sikk Shades® – a new line of performance eyewear for the action sports market – is proud to sponsor TransWorld’s Come Up Tour. Starting May 9, the third annual amateur skate contest series will be touring the U.S. for six weeks in a row in search of the nation’s best unsponsored skateboarders. The tour will be stopping in major skate cities including Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Milwaukee, Portland and San Diego. (more…)

Ultimate Summer Foodie Festival will Feature Beer Garden, Tasting Competition, Live Entertainment and Fun Activities for the Whole Family

(San Diego, CA—May 4, 2015) San Diego has a new foodie fest to get excited about: The inaugural Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest will take place Saturday, July 18, from noon to 5 p.m. at the San Diego Waterfront Park in Downtown. (more…)

For the first time, top finishers of international and U.S. contests, including Dew Tour, X Games, U.S. Skateboarding Championships and Street League, to earn spots in World Championships

(Sacramento, Calif. – February 24, 2015) – World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) announced today that Kimberley, South Africa will once again host the Skateboarding World Championships, October 7-10, 2015. Thirty-eight countries and 250 skateboarders competed at last year’s event where Brazilian Kelvin Hoeffler beat some of the top names in skateboarding including Nyjah Huston, Tommy Fynn and Louie Lopez, to claim the world champion street title and a piece of skateboarding’s largest prize purse: $500,000.

This year’s Skateboarding World Championships are expected to draw the largest international field of any skate contest in history, with skaters from at least 50 countries expected to compete in five world championship events, including the Women’s Street Championships, Vert Championships, Big Air Championships, Rider Cup Team Championships and Men’s Street Championships.

This year for the first time, the Skateboarding World Championships will extend invitations to the top finishers of notable international contests like the Mystic Cup, Copenhagen Pro, the Turkish Skateboarding Championships, Bryggeriet Malmo and others around the world. Top finishers from U.S. contests, including X Games, Dew Tour, U.S. Skateboarding Championships and Street League, will also earn spots in the Skateboarding World Championships.

The 2015 Skateboarding World Championships will be held at the Kimberley Diamond Cup presented by Kumba Iron Ore, which runs from Wednesday, October 7 – Saturday, October 10 in Kimberley, South Africa. The vert and street contests are held at the permanent, state-of-the-art Kumba Skate Plaza that was built for the contests and subsequently donated to the community. The Plaza saw more than 14,000 visitors in 2014, not including the over 20,000 who attended last year’s five-day Kimberley Diamond Cup and Skateboarding World Championship events.

The World Skateboarding Federation (WSF) has sanctioned the World Skateboarding Championships and will provide financial assistance to help pay for travel expenses for skaters in countries without government, corporate or federation support.

In the U.S., it’s typically the sponsors who pay for the skateboarders to travel, but in the rest of the world it doesn’t work that way, according to Tim McFerran, CEO of World Skateboarding Grand Prix, who is also on the board of the newly created World Skateboarding Federation.

“It became evident to us last year that there is a lack of organization, funding and resources in many countries in getting their top skateboarders to international events,” McFerran said. “We are still in the beginning stages of developing a worldwide contest circuit that feeds into one final, year-end cumulative contest, the Skateboarding World Championships, and we have made amazing progress and received worldwide support for what we are trying to do. In addition to the international, country, regional and the invite-only U.S. contests, we anticipate that we will have at least 50 countries represented in the Skateboarding World Championships in South Africa this year. If you’re a top skater in your country then you deserve to be in the world championships, and with the support of the World Skateboarding Federation we will ensure you are able to get to South Africa to represent your country.”

Turkish skateboarder Cenk Kulioglu was one of 35 international skaters who received financial assistance for travel expenses from the World Skateboarding Federation in order to compete in last year’s Skateboarding World Championships.

“I was chosen from Turkey, to go to South Africa to participate in the Kimberley Diamond Cup in 2014. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had,” said Kulioglu. “WSGP puts on the biggest contests in the world and has the biggest prize purse. The format is the best and most exciting in skateboarding. When I got there I realized how professional a skateboard contest can be. Everything was perfect. It was always my childhood dream to take part in a contest this big. To be part of the Skateboarding World Championships and to have it broadcasted around the world was a dream come true. I’d like to say thanks to World Skateboarding Federation for making it possible for me to be there!”

In addition to providing funding for top skaters to get to major events like the Skateboarding World Championships, WSF is also committed to providing leadership and direction, to link up with and establish national skateboarding federations and assist with building quality skate parks around the world.

World Skateboarding Grand Prix is the global leader in skateboarding event management. WSGP hosts world-class skateboarding events globally with a commitment to help stimulate local economies through tourism and support youth development, especially those in underserved or impoverished communities. For the latest news and information on the 2015 Skateboarding World Championships at the Kimberley Diamond Cup as well as other upcoming World Skateboarding Grand Prix events, including the U.S. Skateboarding Championships and the Turkish Skateboarding Championships, visitwww.worldskateboarding.com or check out our corporate site at www.worldskateboardinginternational.com.

About World Skateboarding Federation (WSF)

World Skateboarding Federation is the leader in providing skateboarders around the world with funds to help pay for travel expenses to attend international contests. WSF actively donates skateboards to youth in poverty stricken areas and supports worthwhile skateboarding organizations like Skateistan in South Africa. WSF is currently working with a number of countries, providing leadership and expertise, to help them form national federations. The mission of the World Skateboarding Federation is to promote skateboarding around the world; to grow and connect relevant skateboarders, organizations, brands and manufacturers for the further expansion of skateboarding; to assist in building quality skateparks; to provide financial assistance to top skateboarders to attend international skateboarding contests; to create a centralized judging and scoring system; and to provide a platform to create national, regional and local contests. World Skateboarding Federation is a USA incorporated nonprofit 501-c-3 organization. For more information visit www.worldskateboardingfederation.org.

(Houston, TX—February 26, 2015)Sikk Shades® – a new line of performance eyewear for the action sports market – officially launches today. Developed by former Pro BMX Rider Eddie Bauer Jr., along with some of the industry’s top eyewear designers, Sikk Shades’ flagship frames, the Huckleberry and Qualifier (starting at $119.99) are now available online and in select retailers nationwide. Created specifically for athletes, and designed to withstand harsh weather and extreme conditions, Sikk Shades offer clearer vision and better depth perception than traditional polarized glasses, as well as a better fit and a non-slip, embedded nose grip for all-day wear and comfort.

Sikk Shades’® lenses utilize Flash Electric™ technology, which blocks short-wave light – the harmful light that leads to eye damage – and allows ample amounts of long-wave light in. This allows the wearer to avoid the distortion and depth perception issues common in most polarized lenses, while providing clear and unobstructed vision, a huge advantage if you’re on the track or hitting the slopes.

Each pair of Sikk Shades® features a non-slip nose grip embedded into the frame, keeping the glasses securely in place while athletes sweat, experience extreme weather and manage harsh terrain. The durable frames are made by one of Italy’s most respected, independent eyewear manufacturers and are perfectly balanced and weighted to fit better, without the painful pressure points behind the ear – allowing for all day wear and comfort.

“As a former pro BMX/Motorcross racer, I was frustrated by the polarized sunglasses I was wearing constantly distorting my vision, giving off that weird prism effect and causing depth perception issues – something that’s particularly problematic when you’re skating, snowboarding, riding motocross or BMX,” said Eddie Bauer Jr., founder and CEO of Sikk Shades®. “I started doing research to find an alternative to polarized lenses and found Flash Electric™ technology was the perfect solution. It outperforms polarized in virtually every aspect, providing superior vision while also letting in fewer damaging UV rays. From there, we developed the perfectly weighted and balanced frames, which eliminate the pressure points behind the ears and offer a very comfortable fit. We also embedded the nose grip right into the frame. We’ve had the glasses tested by our friends and colleagues in the industry and they’ve received incredible reviews. We’re excited to launch what we believe will be the new standard in performance eyewear for the action sports industry.”

Sikk Shades® has assembled an impressive roster of up-and-coming athletes from skate, surf, snow, BMX and motocross to test its flagship frames and to serve as brand ambassadors, including:

Sikk Shades® is the new standard in performance eyewear for active lifestyles. After three years of research and development, Sikk Shades’ flagship frames, Huckleberry and Qualifier, offer action sports enthusiasts a fresh look while outperforming traditional polarized lenses. Founded by Eddie Bauer Jr. and tested by up-and-coming amateur and professional athletes, Sikk Shades utilize Flash Electric™ technology, which blocks harmful UV rays while avoiding the distortion and depth perception issues common in most polarized lenses. The perfectly balanced, Italian-made frames eliminate pressure points behind the ears for a better fit and all day wear and comfort. The non-slip nose grip is embedded right into the frame, keeping glasses firmly in place even in harsh conditions. For more information, visit www.sikkshades.com or follow the brand on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

World Skateboarding Grand Prix today released the Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) presented by Kumba Iron Ore schedule for 2015. Hosted in partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Government, the Kimberley Diamond Cup will feature three Grand Slam regional qualifying events and fourteen Skateboarding for Hope community outreach initiatives leading up to skateboarding world championships event in Kimberley in October 2015. (more…)

As the new year gets under way, many San Diegans are inspired to refresh their homes and finally begin planning that long-overdue remodeling project. Kitchens are at the top of the list for many homeowners with open, inviting spaces that suit entertaining, one of the big, continuing trends for 2015.

Check out some of the great action sports companies below who will be participating in this year’s Schmooz! If you are looking for a job in the action sports industry, you don’t want to miss this FREE event. For more information on Schmooz at AGENDA – visit their page HERE.

ABOUT AGENDA: Agenda is the most diverse and creative lifestyle fashion trade show in the world. Since 2003, Agenda has emerged as the premier destination for brands and retailers to converge. Agenda is where passion becomes profit and the business of creativity is conducted in a truly authentic environment. What began as a satellite show with a small grouping of 30 brands has since transcended into the quintessential lifestyle fashion trade show. Agenda’s portfolio now includes six shows, in three cities, expertly curated with over 1,000 brands and a recurring brand-building conference. Buyers, brands, investors, distributors, and media hail from around the globe, gathering at Agenda to build partnerships, participate in the community, and grow their businesses.

The Lee & London elves were hard at work this month spreading holiday cheer by assembling our unique beverage holders to give to our faithful followers.

This unique beverage holder is our gift for our friends and clients this holiday season. Made in Pennsylvania of cedar wood, the boxes are sent as puzzles which our elves happily assembled! Each beverage holder is made from different pieces of wood which are cut and engraved by lasers, making each gift one of a kind. Click the video below to watch our elves make holiday cheer!

So excited to have our amazing client Jackson Design and Remodeling featured on the home page of Dwell.com with this incredible kitchen remodel located in La Jolla. Dwell is the industry’s most highly esteemed design publication and they only feature the absolute best projects in the country. JDR’s team of international designers continues to rack up major national design awards and editorial coverage and we are so excited to get to work with these incredibly talented designers every day. They never cease to amaze us with their creativity and passion for what they do. (more…)

Our friends Mark and Stacey just put out this awesome video of their Tarponville Fishing Lodge in Costa Rica. Check out the video and then head over to their Facebook page and give them a like, will ya?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and families are getting ready to cook holiday favorites and turn their homes into aroma-filled spaces for dining and entertaining.

With four children and a large extended family to entertain, our clients wanted to remodel their kitchen to improve its space and functionality while retaining the cabinlike feeling of the 1972-era San Diego home. Read More…(more…)

Lee and London team member Heidi completed the Avengers Half Marathon at Disneyland this past weekend. It was her third half marathon this year. Heidi runs all the marathons alongside her dad, Bill, who at age 59 can out run most 20 year olds. Congratulations to Heidi and Bill!

As a former college basketball player who manages global skateboarding events, World Skateboarding Grand Prix CEO Tim McFerran has learned lessons beyond how to get comfortable on an international flight when you’re nearly 7 feet tall. Read More…(more…)

Ok, fine, it was a BABY lion…but it still stung pretty good and left an awesome bruise!

So why was I in Africa? I was there with our client World Skateboarding Grand Prix, the leading global skate events management company, which runs the Skateboarding World Championships that were held in 2014 at the Kimberley Diamond Cup in the former diamond-mining town of Kimberley, South Africa (Phew! That was a long sentence…)

It was my third visit to South Africa, but it was the first time I was able to visit the townships and interact with the local kids at the skate clinics we hosted. It was an incredible experience to witness how something as simple as a board with four wheels can positively affect so many lives. World Skateboarding added a women’s event to the championships this year and some of the top female skateboarders –Elissa Steamer, Lacey Baker, Alexis Sablone, Kat Williams, Marisa Dal Santo and Alana Smith — visited two townships outside Kimberley to give skate clinics to the local kids. Hundreds of kids flocked to the dirt lot where we set up a makeshift skate park and it was incredible to see how many young girls quickly jumped on the boards and showed no fear.

For the first time, 37 countries had skaters represented in the world championships and I got the chance to meet some of the best from around the world: Nassim Guammaz from the Netherlands, Tommy Fynn from Australia, Tom Knox from the UK, and of course Nyjah Huston from the US (I actually met Nyjah for the first time back in 2009 at the Maloof Money Cup in Orange County when he was 14 years old and had long dreadlocks — I’ll never forget him tearing up when he placed second to Chris Cole after coming back from behind and ending the contest with a PERFECT run. He has come a long, long way since then) — there were so many rad skaters there that you don’t see every day. And superstar rapper/mogul Lil Jon was on hand to perform at the closing night concert, featuring the biggest bands from South Africa and an incredible fireworks show. It was hands-down the best skate contest I’ve personally ever seen. We’re really excited to have such an incredible client in World Skateboarding Grand Prix, and we admire their commitment to make a difference in the lives of youth around the world. We can’t wait for 2015 — we’ve got some exciting announcements we’ll be making soon, so stay tuned!!!!!

Design & Remodeling, an award-winning San Diego-based design and remodeling firm owned by Todd Jackson of Ramona, is doing something a little unexpected this year to celebrate its 25th year in business. The company is giving back to the community in 25 ways. Read more…

Well, it was fun while it lasted… But as of November 5, 2014, Facebook is banning the much-loved practice of “like-gating.” No more forcing people to “like” your page to win a prize pack. Now they’ll just have to like you because of your winning personality (also your awesome customer service and great products).

So what CAN you require users to do in order to enter a contest. Here are a few ideas:

1) You can have them subscribe to your blog. You don’t have a blog? Maybe now is a good time to think about whether it makes sense for your brand. While it takes great content that is interesting to your audience and goes beyond your product offerings and pure marketing messaging, it can be a very effective communications channel. Other great reasons to have a blog is to utilize as a means to reach your customers in times of crisis and also to enhance your visibility on search engines which are constantly crawling for new content.

2) You can still “Like-gate” on other sites, including Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

3) Ask for an e-mail address to build your customer database. Whether for newsletters, new product announcements, upcoming events or partner offers, it’s important that companies build a customer database.

Wanna learn more? E-mail us at info@leeandlondon.com and ask for a social media consultation.

Anatomy of a canine photo shoot (he got plenty of treats throughout the process)

At today’s American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) San Diego Kitchen and Bath tour, San Diegans will be able to see the work of some of the county’s most creative designers. One of the stops features a rustic, Zen-style kitchen in Del Mar by Tatiana Machado-Rosas. (The self-guided ASID tour runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., see site for details.) Machado-Rosas, 40, who works at Jackson Design & Remodeling, was born and raised in Mexico City, but spent some of her childhood years in Europe where the varied cultures and architecture inspired her aesthetic. Read more…

Google Advertising’s varied platforms provide advertisers with an enormous reach as well as mountains of data with which to assess their ad campaigns. Click-through rates, Cost Per Click, and average rank are a few examples of the analytical tools included in Google Advertising platforms. These tools can help you measure the effectiveness of your campaigns while managing your budget. But you may be missing an important part of the picture if you fail to link your Google Advertising to your Analytics.

Google Analytics provides information such as bounce rate, average visit duration and pages per session. While the other 2 tools mentioned are self explanatory, your bounce rate is a measurement of users who came to your page then left without visiting another page or performing an action. All of this data aids in measuring individual ad, keyword or total campaign performance beyond the initial draw. This can also help you assess the landing page in which you are directing users.

Analytics can also provide demographic information such as age, gender and the interests of ad responders. This is valuable in both assessing current and past campaigns as well as planning future ones. It helps answer the questions of who your audience is and whether they match your target.

Linkage is relatively simple with Google’s assistance and the additional data can make a difference in wisely managing your marketing dollars.

(San Diego- October 22, 2014) – Jackson Design and Remodeling (JDR) announced today that the San Diego-based design and remodeling firm has won three Master Design Awards, the prestigious awards program for professional remodelers run by Qualified Remodeler Magazine. Each year hundreds of design firms submit their best projects across 23 categories. JDR’s wins came in the highly competitive categories of whole homes (less than $300,000), bathrooms (more than $75,000) and kitchens ($75,000 – $100,000). This is JDR’s sixth consecutive year receiving Master Design Awards for its work. Read more…(more…)

There was no shortage of girls ripping during the Kimberley Diamond Cup Women’s World Street Championships in October. It’s the first year that a women’s contest was included in the event and it’s pushing women’s skateboarding to a more global level than ever before.

Went to a township yesterday in Kimberley and set up a mini skate park/held a clinic with women’s skate pros Elissa Steamer, Kat Williams, Julia Brueckler & Marissa Dal Santo. #inspiration#empowerment#girlpower#kdcskate

The Challenged Athletes Foundation will hold its annual Triathlon Challenge Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 at La Jolla Cove. One of the many teams supporting the cause is local remodeling firm Jackson Design and Remodeling (JDR). The CAF event is one of 25 charitable acts JDR will participate in this year to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Read more…(more…)

(Kimberley, South Africa – October 5, 2014) – The 2014 Skateboarding World Championships at the Kimberley Diamond Cup concluded today in dramatic fashion. It was an all-out battle in the Street Championship Semi Finals with Nyjah Huston upset in the first round by the Netherlands’ Nassim Guammaz. Guammaz lost to Brazilian Kevin Hoefler in the third round. Hoefler would go on to battle with Australian Tommy Fynn in the Finals, just edging him out for the world title and $100,000 top prize. Read more…(more…)

(Sacramento, CA- October 02, 2014) – World Skateboarding Grand Prix — the leading international skateboarding events management company — today announced the Skateboarding World Championships at the Kimberley Diamond Cup, presented by Kumba Iron Ore, will be webcast LIVE online at www.KimberleyDiamondCup.com Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5. The event will also be broadcast live on Supersport, South Africa’s premier television network for sports coverage. Read more…(more…)

With summer at a close, many San Diegans are left with fond vacation memories of warm and breezy islands. One San Diego couple wanted to capture that tranquil and relaxing island feel year-round in their kitchen remodel. Read more… (more…)

Thanks to Culture Brewing Co, Groundswell Brewing Company, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and Carri Larsen-Chandler for helping us with our spot on KUSI Good Morning San Diego! Watch the San Diego Festival of Beer on KUSI San Diego: San Diego Festival of Beer on KUSI News(more…)

(Sacramento, Calif. – Sept. 10, 2014) –World Skateboarding Grand Prix today announced the lineup for the Vert and MiniMega Skateboarding World Championships as well as the Women’s Street Skateboarding World Championships, three of the 10 official events that make up the 2014 Skateboarding World Championships returning to Kimberley, South Africa Oct. 2-5. Read more…(more…)

Qualifying Events to be held in Multiple US Cities Beginning June 2015; Winners of US Championships Earn Trip to 2015 World Skateboarding Championships

(Sacramento, Calif. – August 19, 2014) – World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) announced today it will expand in the US next summer, bringing at least three qualifying events to cities across the US, culminating in the first-ever US Skateboarding Championships.

The events will include an individual street style contest as well as the Rider Cup team contest. The individual winners and the winning Rider Cup team will earn trips to compete in the 2015 World Skateboarding Championships.

The official location and dates will be announced in the coming months as WSGP seeks qualified bids from cities in the US, split into four geographic areas.

An unprecedented 70 countries were invited to send their best skaters to this year’s Skateboarding World Championships in Kimberley, South Africa Oct. 2-5 where an expected 250 skateboarders will compete for the $500,000 prize purse. The location for the 2015 World Championships will be named by the end of the year.

“We are excited about the expansion into the US market. It’s been 20 years since a national skateboarding contest was held here, and with the growth of skateboarding globally, it only makes sense to bring a true national championship to the US. We’ll be utilizing the same fast-paced format that we’ve become known for, so we anticipate a very competitive series,”said Tim McFerran, president of World Skateboarding Grand Prix.

East Coast Skate Legend Steve Rodriguez, who recently produced the Rider Cup NYC series for WSGP, says the US championship will be a welcome addition to competitive skateboarding.

“A truly inclusive championship-level event here in the US is the logical evolution of contest skating,” said Rodriguez. “To have both an individual and team championship is a really progressive concept. WSGP is known for exciting head-to-head contests that constantly push the skaters to elevate their skating, which in turn makes for a better contest atmosphere.”

About World Skateboarding Grand Prix

WSGP hosts world-class skateboarding events globally with a commitment to stimulate local economies through tourism and support youth development. For the latest news and information, visit www.WorldSkateboarding.com.

(San Diego, CA – August 14, 2014) – San Diego Festival of Beer officials announced today that Coronado Brewing Company will release a special brew for the San Diego Festival of Beer’s 20th Anniversary. The limited edition beer, which Coronado Brewing has dubbed ‘SD Party Pilsner,’ is being brewed for keg release. The brewery will also donate $1 of each pint sold on the evening of August 20th, to the San Diego Professionals Against Cancer (SDPAC), the nonprofit group that runs the annual San Diego Festival of Beer, to benefit local cancer charities. Read more…(more…)

(San Diego, CA-August 8, 2014) –Jackson Design & Remodeling (JDR), an award-winning San Diego-based design and remodeling firm, is doing something a little unexpected this year to celebrate its 25th year in business. The company is giving back to the San Diego community in 25 ways. JDR’s staff came up with a list of 25 local services and organizations that meant something special to each of them, as a way to thank the city for its continued support throughout the years. With 14 acts already completed, the company is more than halfway to reaching its goal. Read more…(more…)

Grand Slam Series to Include Three Qualifier Events Culminating in Turkey Skateboarding Championships in Istanbul on May 31, 2015

(Sacramento, Calif. – August 5, 2014) — World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) today announced it will bring the Grand Slam series of skateboarding contests to Turkey in 2015, culminating in the first-ever Turkey Skateboarding Championships in Istanbul on May 31.

The Grand Slam series will stop in Ankara, Antalya and Istanbul, giving local skateboarders a chance to earn a spot in the Turkey Skateboarding Championships. The Grand Slams will feature qualifiers for both individual skateboarders as well as the Rider Cup team skateboarding contest. The winners from each Grand Slam contest and the winners from the Rider Cup team contest will then battle it out for a cash prize and championship title in the first-ever Turkey Skateboarding Championships in Istanbul on May 31, 2015. In addition, the winning individual and team will earn the chance to represent Turkey in the 2015 Skateboarding World Championships in Kimberley, South Africa.

“I was so stoked when first I heard that WSGP will bring this international skateboarding event to Turkey,” said Erdem Kavla, a rider for the first Turkish skateboard company, Glovs. “For a long time, we’ve been trying to get skateboarding respected here, and these kind of international events help us reach a bigger audience in our country. I hope this will be the first, but not the last, major skateboarding event in Turkey. I will be attending the contest as a rider and hope to win some cash and have a chance to go to the World Championships in Kimberley, South Africa.”

“We are excited about the expansion of WSGP into Turkey, where the sport is growing tremendously and is in a position to benefit from a championship event that will not only put Turkey on the global stage but will help to further support and grow the local skateboarding industry,” said Tim McFerran, president of WSGP.

About World Skateboarding Grand Prix

World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) is an international skateboarding events management company. WSGP hosts world-class skateboarding events with a commitment to help stimulate local economies through tourism and by supporting youth development, especially those in underserved or impoverished communities. For more information, visit www.worldskateboarding.com.

We asked our newest Lee & London team member, Rocky, to write a blog on the topic of her choice. A student at SDSU, Rocky also works part-time at Paul Mitchell The School in Downtown San Diego and is fanatical about her beauty regimen. So in this blog, Rocky shares her 5 favorite beauty tips and tricks for summertime, along with a few of her favorite products.

ONE

Feeling like your ends are dry due to the ocean water and hot sun? Make sure to treat your hair to a conditioning treatment once a week. Lathering your hair with an ultra-moisturizing conditioner and sitting under the dryer for 30 minutes can save your hair from that dry texture. Don’t have a dryer? Sleep in your conditioner and wake up with soft, glossy hair! Our favorite is the Lavender Mint conditioner from Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree line.

TWO

No matter how tan you aspire to be, using sunscreen is crucial to defend your skin from the harsh UV rays. Before hitting the beach or hiking the mountains, it is important to use a waterproof SPF 30+ sunscreen. The waterproof sunscreen can shield your skin no matter if you’re sweating or in the water. Long-lasting sunscreens are a plus to avoid reapplying every two hours. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stickgoes on like a light deodorant but is SPF 70.

Foundations are not enough of a mask to protect your skin from sun rays, but the thickness of facial sunscreen can often clog skin. Because facial skin is sensitive, look for a light moisturizer or foundation with SPF already in it. Try MAC’s Studio Moisture Fix, which is a hydrating and non-greasy moisturizer with SPF 15.

THREE

In the summer, many women deal with uneven skin tones and discoloration due to dryness of the skin and the face getting more of a tan in different areas. To help alleviate the effects of sun damage, cut half of a lemon, sprinkle it with brown sugar and scrub on your face. The buffer of the brown sugar helps eliminate dead skin cells and the aid of the lemon promotes cell turnover.

FOUR

Everyone knows water is a must, especially in the summer. But to boost the hydrating effects and improve your skin, take a pitcher of water and add some blueberries, lemon or mint for flavor. The infused flavor is not only tasty, but adds nutrients as you’re staying hydrated. Blueberries and lemons are high in Vitamin C and the mint leaves your breath fresh.

FIVE

Lips often become cracked and dry in the summer due to sun exposure, especially in dry climates in the West. You can use the same lemon-sugar technique as mentioned above on your lips to get rid of dead skin cells. But for soft and plump lips, thickly-apply lip balm every night before bed. We love Burt’s Bees Refreshing Grapefruit.

The Agenda trade show was held this weekend in Long Beach and was packed with new products from our favorite companies. Lee & London was there and we scoured the aisles to bring you a sneak peek of what action sport and lifestyle brands are going to bring you in 2015.

When most people think of a “man cave,” they imagine a space set apart from the central living area in the home, with traditionally very masculine décor and entertainment elements like projection televisions, leather recliner seating and built-in kegerators. Read more…(more…)